Who Owns FDS Group Company?

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Who Really Controls FactSet (FDS)?

Unraveling the FDS Group SWOT Analysis is crucial for understanding its strategic direction. The ownership structure of a company is a critical lens through which to understand its strategic direction, influence, and accountability. Knowing who owns FDS Group is key to grasping its long-term vision and how it navigates the competitive landscape.

This exploration into FDS Group ownership delves into the initial founders, key investors, and the impact of public shareholders. Understanding the FDS Group structure, including its parent company and major stakeholders, provides valuable insights into its governance and strategic decisions. We'll also examine the historical evolution of FDS Group's ownership, offering a comprehensive view of this financial data and software giant, including its subsidiaries and affiliates.

The foundation of FactSet Research Systems Inc., now known as FDS Group, rests on the vision of Howard Wille and Charles Snyder. They established the company in 1978, aiming to revolutionize how financial data was accessed and utilized. Their foresight in leveraging technology to provide computer-based financial information directly to clients set the stage for FDS Group's future.

Wille and Snyder's initiative was a direct response to the evolving needs of financial professionals. They saw the potential to streamline the process of accessing and analyzing financial data, moving away from the cumbersome methods of the time. This focus on delivering usable data directly to clients became a core tenet of the company's early strategy.

The initial capital of approximately $250,000 was instrumental in launching the company. While specific details on early ownership percentages are not publicly available, the founders' commitment to providing accessible financial information was evident from the start. Their first product, 'Company FactSet,' demonstrated their commitment to delivering user-friendly financial analysis.

Early Visionaries

Howard Wille and Charles Snyder, the founders, recognized the need for computer-based financial information.

Initial Capital

The company began with approximately $250,000 in seed funding.

Early Product

'Company FactSet' was the initial offering, providing four-page company analysis reports.

Focus on Clients

The founders aimed to deliver usable data directly to clients, simplifying access to financial information.

Early Growth

The company expanded its services to include analytics and portfolio management tools.

Key Personnel

Former Chairman Philip A. Hadley joined as a consultant in 1985.

Understanding the FDS Group ownership structure begins with recognizing its founders, Howard Wille and Charles Snyder. While the exact early ownership details are not publicly available, their initial vision and the company's early focus on delivering accessible financial data are clear. The company's early success was built on providing essential tools for financial professionals. For more insights, consider exploring Marketing Strategy of FDS Group. The company's evolution from its inception in 1978 to its current standing reflects a strategic approach to meeting the needs of its clients, which is a key aspect of the FDS Group company profile. The FDS Group structure has evolved, but the core mission of providing valuable financial information remains central to its operations. The early focus on user-friendly data delivery set the stage for the company's growth and its ability to attract FDS Group investors.

Key Takeaways

The founders' vision was to provide computer-based financial information directly to clients, bypassing the need for companies to purchase raw data and then hire programmers to make it user-friendly.

• The company started with approximately $250,000 in initial capital.
• The first product was 'Company FactSet,' a program that generated a four-page company analysis report.
• Early focus was on expanding services to include analytics and portfolio management tools.
• Howard Wille and Charles Snyder remained integral to the company's development.

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The evolution of ownership for FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS Group company) began with its initial public offering (IPO) in 1996, which marked a pivotal moment in its history. The IPO, which listed the company on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FDS, increased its visibility and provided access to capital markets. As of February 29, 2024, the aggregate market value of FactSet's common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $17.6 billion. This public listing significantly altered the FDS Group structure, transitioning it from a privately held entity to a publicly traded corporation with a diverse shareholder base.

The company's ownership structure is characterized by significant institutional ownership. As of October 21, 2024, there were 37,988,845 shares of FactSet's common stock outstanding. The company's financial performance, including its Annual Subscription Value (ASV), which was $2,265.9 million at November 30, 2024, and Organic ASV, which grew by 4.5% year-over-year to $2,258.8 million as of November 30, 2024, has attracted institutional investors. This consistent revenue stream is a key factor in the company's attractiveness to major stakeholders.

FactSet's client base, which influences its revenue and market standing, included 8,217 clients and 216,381 users as of August 31, 2024. Buy-side clients accounted for approximately 82% of FactSet's Organic ASV as of August 31, 2024. The company's strategic acquisitions have also played a role in its evolution, extending its global reach and diversifying product offerings. The company consistently reports its financial performance and ownership details through SEC filings, providing transparency to its shareholders and the broader market. Understanding the FDS Group ownership structure is crucial for investors seeking to assess the company's stability and growth potential.

Ownership Insights

FactSet's ownership is primarily institutional, with a significant portion of shares held by major investors.

• The IPO in 1996 was a key event in the FDS Group ownership history.
• As of February 29, 2024, the market value held by non-affiliates was approximately $17.6 billion.
• The company's consistent revenue growth is attractive to investors.
• FactSet's financial performance is reported through SEC filings.

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The Board of Directors of the FDS Group company, officially known as FactSet Research Systems Inc., is pivotal in steering the company's strategic direction and overseeing its operations. Information regarding the board members and their affiliations is detailed in the company's corporate governance documents, which are accessible through its investor relations website. As of June 13, 2025, key executive leadership includes Frederick Philip Snow as Chief Executive Officer and Director, alongside other key executives such as Helen L. Shan as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Katherine M. Stepp as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

Other key individuals include Goran Skoko (Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer and MD of EMEA and Asia Pacific), Gregory T. Moskoff (MD, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer), Kevin J. Toomey Jr. (Head of Investor Relations), Christopher McLoughlin (Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer), Christopher R. Ellis (Executive Vice President and Head of Strategic Initiatives and Partnership), and Robert James Robie (Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Buyside). The board's composition and the company's governance structure are designed to ensure accountability to its shareholders, including significant institutional investors. For more information on the Competitors Landscape of FDS Group, you can find additional insights.

FactSet, a publicly traded company, operates with a one-share-one-vote structure. This means each share of common stock typically grants one voting right. The company's commitment to transparency is evident through its regular SEC filings, which include proxy statements for annual stockholder meetings. These filings provide detailed information on director elections and other governance matters. There have been no recent major governance controversies involving FactSet reported in the public domain.

Key Takeaways on FDS Group Ownership

FactSet is a publicly traded company, listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ. The Board of Directors oversees the company's strategic direction and operations. Key executive leadership includes Frederick Philip Snow as CEO.

• FactSet operates with a one-share-one-vote structure.
• The company's governance structure ensures accountability to shareholders.
• Information on board members is available in corporate governance documents.
• The company is committed to transparency through SEC filings.

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Over the past few years, the ownership profile of FDS Group has been marked by consistent financial performance and strategic capital management. For the fiscal year 2023, FactSet reported revenues of $2.09 billion. As of August 31, 2024, the company had 8,217 clients and 216,381 users. The company's focus on innovation, particularly in generative AI, is likely to attract and retain institutional investors seeking growth opportunities in the financial technology sector.

Share buybacks have been a significant aspect of FDS Group's capital allocation strategy. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025 (ended November 30, 2024), the company repurchased 104,475 shares for $48.8 million at an average price of $467.00. As of November 30, 2024, $251.2 million remained available for share repurchases under the company's program. On September 17, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized up to $300 million for share repurchases in fiscal 2025. This indicates a continued focus on returning value to shareholders through these buyback programs. The company's commitment to returning value to shareholders is evident through its share repurchase and dividend programs, emphasizing its management of outstanding shares.

The company's focus on technology and commitment to returning value to shareholders are key trends shaping the FDS Group ownership landscape. The company's strategic initiatives, including the use of generative AI, are designed to enhance client efficiency. For more insight into the company's background, consider reading the Brief History of FDS Group.

Key Ownership Trends

Consistent financial performance and strategic capital management. Share buybacks represent a significant capital allocation strategy.

Share Repurchase Programs

Continued focus on returning value to shareholders through buyback programs. The company repurchased shares in Q1 FY2025 and authorized additional funds for future repurchases.

Technological Innovation

Emphasis on generative AI to drive client efficiency and workflow enhancements. This focus is aimed at attracting and retaining institutional investors.

Institutional Ownership

Increased institutional ownership is likely to continue, with a focus on sustainable growth and technological innovation to maintain market position.

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